This season, Asheville City Soccer Club will take the field wearing a jersey that tells a story — one of resilience, transformation, and the deep-rooted traditions of Western North Carolina. Our new kit proudly features the “stairstep” quilt pattern, a design often used to signify moments of great change. Just as this pattern appears on quilts given to mark a new journey, a fresh start, or a milestone achieved, we wear it as a symbol of our commitment to progress, both on and off the field. 

This pattern is inspired by the tradition of barn quilt squares, a staple of Appalachian farms. These hand-painted wooden quilt blocks have decorated barns and homesteads for generations, honoring family legacies, farming heritage, and the artistry that thrives in rural communities. Much like these quilts tell the stories of those who tend the land, our jersey speaks to the people who cultivate the very heart of Western North Carolina—the farmers, growers, and market vendors who dedicate their lives to providing fresh, local food to the region. Their work is demanding, often uncertain, but they continue to rise with the sun, step by step, season after season.

At the heart of this agricultural tradition is the WNC Farmers Market, a cornerstone of the region since 1977. Here, farms such as Coates Family Produce have been a steadfast presence in Market Shop A from the very beginning, sourcing and growing the best produce available. Their multi-generational business connects customers to the finest fruits and vegetables year-round, keeping the market’s spirit alive. Meanwhile, Hunter Newman Farms operates with the motto, “We Grow So Your Family Can Grow,” bringing their farm-fresh produce to Truck Shed 1, where Hunter and Deb Lyda warmly welcome shoppers to stalls 5 and 6. These farmers don’t just sell food—they cultivate relationships, strengthening the ties between land and community.

Under Truck Shed 3, Efren Barraza is a well-known face, ensuring that the freshest local and regional produce reaches both wholesale and retail customers throughout the year. His commitment to quality keeps the market thriving, ensuring that every box of tomatoes, every basket of apples, and every crate of greens is sourced with care. Just down the way in Truck Shed 1, Tomas C Farms carries on a generational passion for farming in McDowell County. Jorge, a steward of the land and his family’s legacy, believes in continuous improvement—not just for the farm, but for the environment and the community it serves. "Farming is not easy," he says. "You have to enjoy every moment. You have to go out and say, okay, I can do this, I can do this better."

This year, our jersey is more than just a uniform; it is a tribute to the hands that feed us, to the traditions that shape us, and to the perseverance that defines us. Like the farmers who face unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and long hours in the field, we embrace the challenges ahead. 

This is Home. This is Grown. This is Asheville Soccer.

A special Lamar Hunt US Open Cup edition of the jersey will be worn against Greenville Triumph. These limited supply match worn jerseys will be sold after the game with proceeds going towards the club's Next Eleven Fund helping to rebuild youth sports in WNC after Hurricane Helene. More information will be released about these sales in the coming weeks.